It’s a big backyard

One aspect about our choice to live on a boat which people often comment on is the very small space we pack our lives into…and with three young children, the lack of a big yard or area for them to run and play in.

It’s a pretty big misconception.

Our backyard is immense! There’s so much space to roam. No, they’re not going to be playing soccer out there anytime soon- but much territory exists to explore. To be sure, it’s not the typical turf lawn where you can play flag football after Thanksgiving dinner or croquet on a warm summer evening. And I’ll readily admit to missing having my patch of fresh herbs easily accessible to the kitchen. But I’m happy with our trade, and love the freedom and independence I see being fostered as the children reach out to explore it.

This scene of kids in the kayak has pretty typical “after school play”… heading out for a paddle (in this case, complete with jammies on, since bedtime was to follow). They come back with hermit crabs, big crabs, stories of the osprey they saw dive for a fish, the liveaboards they shared waves with out in the anchorage, the Canada geese who came by to see if they had snacks. It’s marvelous.

Meanwhile, I give myself about a month before there are herb pots bungeed somewhere on the deck.

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2 Responses to It’s a big backyard

Sounds wonderful. Not too feasible for us to live aboard ourselves – seven people in a 29′ boat is a little crowded even for the weekend. But the kids LOVE the “backyard” while we are there.We are looking for a bigger boat.

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Hi, I'm Behan! Since 2008 I’ve been sailing around the world with my husband our three children. Please subscribe or get in touch- I love to hear from readers!